Gauge Description:

The online reference gauge - Savage River at Barton - is merely an indicator. The gauge is on the main Savage above the reservoir north of Crabtree Creek. Several observations indicate 700-800 cfs at Barton is a good level, while around 500 CFS may be minimum. Above 1000 it is probably getting high.

There is an old staff gauge just upstream of the takeout near the Savage reservoir. At the old gauge shack, look for the stick gauge attached to a rock on the upstream side a few feet upstream and out in the water. This gauge stick tops out at 3.3 ft. If this is under water the creek is getting juicy and 2.1 ft. is a good minimum - bangy at times but just a little knuckling.

Given it's gradient, there is a fine line between a great level and too much water. Expect a solid Class IV-V run if it is juicy when you put on.